Ahh, The Smell of Fresh Pencils...

Bought school supplies for Ben. Don't you love the smell of fresh pencils to remind you that a new school year is beginning? Before you know it, pumpkins will be ripe and the leaves will start to turn! Some things on his list that weren't on the list when we were growing up: dry erase markers and antibacterial hand cleaner.

A Slap in the Face...

It's amazing how easily we can get bogged down with all the obstacles that seem so big in life...

that is until your 7-year-old puts things in perspective for you. Someone much more capable than me is in control...

"Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these." Mark 10:14

Weekend at the "Lake House"

Last weekend, we went to the "lake house" in Locust Bayou. It's very exclusive and chic so you may not have heard of it before. Very hard to get into. Paul and Katie were fortunate enough to know us so we got them in. You're welcome, guys. :)

Katie and I lounging on the beach at night (the only way to avoid the paparazzi).

Mary Claire and Ben hanging out in the suite. I cropped the butler out of the picture.

Ben taking lessons from the on-sight rock skipping pro (just outside the photo).

Jason and Mary Claire after planning their day with the concierge.


Here's Paul - the boat was FULL of bass when he was finished. He ended up having to throw a lot of them back because the boat was starting to sink.

The royal dog - Mylie (yes, we named her after the teen pop star, because afterall she did give her to us). We found out this weekend that Mylie (the dog) is a superb and willing swimmer. After seeing Jason and Paul in the boat, she swam all the way across the lake to get to them. They took her back to the shore, and after they had gotten out a ways, she repeated her swim across the English Channel to get in the boat again. :)

All in all, it was a great weekend, and worth every dime we dished out to stay there.

Before and After

Now here's a tough dude. Some kid threw a big rock at him. Don't get me wrong, Ben was throwing rocks, too, but he said he was only throwing "small" rocks. :) Boys.

He was nauseated for a bit and was seeing "black dots" - the Doctor said he had a mild concussion.

About eight hours after it happened, and Ben was feeling a little more like himself, he said: "Pride comes with pain." Ha! Such a philosopher.

Should have stayed in bed...

Daycare called and Ben got his nose busted on the playground... So much for working today.
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What a day

When you've already had to call poison control and are having to deal with a strange rash - neither of which are related incidents or apply to you... You know its going to be a bad day.
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A Change at Murphy...

EL DORADO, Arkansas, August 6, 2008 – Murphy Oil Corporation (NYSE:MUR) announced that Claiborne P. Deming, President and CEO since 1994, will retire effective December 31, 2008, and will be succeeded by David M. Wood who currently serves as Murphy’s Executive Vice President, worldwide exploration and production operations.

Mr. Deming will continue as a member of Murphy’s board of directors, and will succeed Mr. William Nolan as Chairman of the Board’s Executive Committee. Mr. Nolan will remain Chairman of the Board of Directors.

Mr. Wood joined the Company in 1994 and has held several positions including Vice President and Senior Vice President of frontier exploration and production and President of Murphy Exploration & Production Company. In January 2007 Mr. Wood became Executive Vice President with responsibility for all of the Company’s exploration and production operations. Mr. Wood will relocate to the Company’s corporate headquarters in El Dorado, Arkansas, become a member of the board of directors and assume his duties as President and CEO effective January 1, 2009.

Mr. Deming said, "David is an extremely talented and accomplished individual who has excelled in building an exploration and production program, recruiting exceptionally skilled professionals and executing world class projects. He has the leadership ability and skill to grow the Company’s business well into the future and I wholeheartedly commend him to shareholders.

"As for me, I plan to continue following industry developments particularly at this pivotal time, and I will of course remain involved in the Company but at the board and executive committee levels. I have no specific plans however I certainly intend to stay actively engaged in business affairs. Simply put, after what will have been nearly 15 years as CEO of Murphy Oil Corporation, it is time to turn it over to someone of David’s capabilities."

The forward-looking statements reflected in this release are made in reliance upon the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. No assurance can be given that the results discussed herein will be attained, and certain important factors that may cause actual results to differ materially are contained in Murphy’s January 15, 1997 Form 8-K report on file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Susy got married in Central Park!!

http://darbydoodle.blogspot.com/2008/08/so.html

Scholarships for all matches enrollment turnaround

Associated Press - August 2, 2008 3:44 PM ET

EL DORADO, Ark. (AP) - Since Murphy Oil Corporation announced its program to provide college scholarships to every graduating senior in the El Dorado School District, the school system has seen two straight years of rising enrollment.
As of last month, the El Dorado district had 102 new students for school this fall. When school started a year ago, enrollment was up by 140 students. About six months earlier, the scholarship program, called El Dorado Promise, had been announced.
Before the scholarship announcement, enrollment was declining. In the fall of 2006, enrollment dropped by 128 students. The greatest drop was in 2002, when the school system lost 142 students.

www.ElDoradoPromise.com

Poll Results

Okay - so it's between the ring and the wrist watch...

Sterling Topaz Ring 5 (38%)
Wrist Watch 4 (30%)
Swarovski Crystal Earrings 3 (23%)
Desk Clock 1 (7%)

Total Votes: 13

I'll let you know when I pick. Difficult decisions, people!